2017 Volvo XC60 2.4L Diesel · MV67 OXR

The Volvo XC60’s most recent MOT, conducted just nine months ago on 30 August 2025 at 52,512 miles, passed without any defects—a clean result that suggests the vehicle’s core mechanical systems were in order at that time. However, the trend over the past three years reveals a mixed picture. The August 2024 test at 51,152 miles noted only minor consumable wear—thin front brake pads and a rear tyre nearing the legal limit—indicating routine maintenance was addressed promptly. The standout issue occurred in August 2023, when the car failed at 49,746 miles due to a fractured nearside rear coil spring, a severely deteriorated track rod end dust cover, and exposed tyre cords on both front tyres. These were not isolated incidents but part of a cluster of failures pointing to deferred maintenance or neglect, particularly in suspension and tyre upkeep. The mileage accumulation is unusually low for a nine-year-old vehicle, averaging just under 5,835 miles per year. This suggests either infrequent use or prolonged periods of inactivity, which can exacerbate wear on components like suspension bushes, coil springs, and rubber seals. The gap between the 2022 test at 31,472 miles and the 2023 failure at 49,746 miles—an 8,274-mile jump in just over a year—hints at a phase of heavier use or delayed servicing. The subsequent tests in 2023 and 2024 show a return to more moderate mileage, but the 2023 failure raises questions about whether critical items were overlooked during that period. For a prospective buyer, the most urgent areas to inspect are the rear suspension, particularly the coil springs and track rod ends, given the 2023 failure. The fractured coil spring implies potential stress on the subframe or control arms, which should be checked for play or corrosion. The track rod end dust cover deterioration suggests dirt ingress, increasing wear on the ball joint—this component should be tested for looseness or excessive movement. Brakes were only flagged once for thin pads, but given the car’s age, the discs should be examined for scoring or uneven wear, especially if the pads were replaced after the 2024 MOT. Tyres, while not a recurring defect beyond the 2023 failure, warrant close attention; the exposed cords indicate past abuse, so current tread depth and uniformity should be verified. Structural integrity, including sills and wheel arches, should also be scanned for corrosion, as Volvo’s bodywork can suffer from rust in damp conditions. The absence of defects in the latest MOT is encouraging, but the 2023 failure history demands scrutiny. A buyer should prioritise a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic, focusing on suspension geometry, brake condition, and any signs of deferred maintenance. The car’s low mileage mitigates some wear risks, but the past failures underscore the need for thorough verification before purchase.